High cholesterol? Know the causes!

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

High cholesterol is characterised by an excess of lipids (fats) in the blood. It is sometimes referred to as hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia. 

To operate properly, your body needs just the correct quantity of lipids. When you have an excess of lipids, your body cannot utilise them completely. Extra lipids begin to accumulate in your arteries. Plaque is formed when they interact with other elements in your blood (fatty deposits). This plaque may not create any difficulties for years, but it gradually grows more and larger within your arteries. Due to this, high cholesterol that is left untreated is risky.

Lipids are classified into numerous categories. The two most well-known are "good cholesterol" and "bad cholesterol." HDLs transport cholesterol to the liver. Your liver regulates your cholesterol levels. It produces enough cholesterol to meet your body's needs and eliminates the excess. HDLs must be present in sufficient quantities to transport cholesterol to the liver. Your blood will circulate with too much cholesterol if your HDLs are too low. 

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• Stress 

Chronic stress is linked to a variety of health issues, including excessive cholesterol. According to research, it increases your chance of having high LDL ("bad") cholesterol and reduces HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. This is because stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline produce changes in the body that can contribute to high sugar levels and inflammation.

• Medications

Some medications may have an unanticipated influence on your cholesterol. Certain birth control medications, retinoids, corticosteroids, antivirals, and anticonvulsants are examples. Some blood pressure medications, such as diuretics and older beta-blockers, might boost your cholesterol. 

• Thyroid problems 

Thyroid hormones are used by your body to assist eliminate excess cholesterol. As a result, if your thyroid is underactive, or if you have hypothyroidism, your total and LDL cholesterol levels rise.

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• Type 2 diabetes 

High blood sugar levels can be caused by type 2 diabetes. Sugar may bind to proteins, including cholesterol molecules, when there is an excess of it. This increases the dangers of cholesterol. People with type 2 diabetes, for example, have more tiny, dense LDL particles, which increases their risk of heart disease. 

• Menopause 

Your cholesterol levels are affected by the sex hormone oestrogen. When oestrogen levels drop after menopause, LDL levels rise. LDL and total cholesterol levels are seen to increase just before and after your final period, according to research. To make matters worse, women gain much weight on average following menopause. They also cease exercising as much, which increases the chance of developing high cholesterol.

High cholesterol is a silent killer. You might have too much lipids in your blood and be unaware of it for years. It can only be determined with a quick blood test. People of all ages are affected by high cholesterol, including those who are physically active and feel healthy.